Most girls in Northern Uganda rely on free sanitary pads distributed at their school but with the schools shut and community lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19, many have no access to sanitary pads.

“We used to get sanitary pads from my school in Acet Omoro District. Now that schools are closed, I'm in my village with no access to sanitary pads I have to use pieces of paper (used newspaper), which is very uncomfortable,” says Milam 17-year-old. “I feel sad and embarrassed I amafraid to sit down for the possibility of soiling my clothes.”

The measures imposed as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda have resulted in economic stress in families that are putting girls and women at a disadvantage. Many have been cut off from essential sexual and reproductive health services, economic activities, and social networks.

"When the government announced lockdowns my family used their savings to stock on food and supplies, but sanitary pads were not considered. Those are normally considered a luxury. I am always glad to go to school as we can get the lucky girl pads from school,” Milam explains.

To respond to girls in this crisis, we are working with the District Task Force formed by the Ugandan government to distribute 4,350 sanitary towels to adolescent girls in Northern Uganda.

"There are millions of girls affected by the COVID-19 pandemic having been used to accessing sanitary towels in schools," Monica says.

Moving forward, we need your help to prevent and support adolescent girls to continue with their education. please consider your gift to our efforts, ensuring the fights for equality, dignity, and justice continues. You can help us to multiply this impact with your generous donation.

In these time of uncertainty and isolation, global solidarity is more important than ever. As COVID-19 dominates the headlines and our lives, it is helpful to remember we are all in this together, reaching out across all boundaries that often separate us. This pandemic, more than any other event, shows us that we are all connected!
We have revised our standard operating procedures and working with the Ugandan government to ensure we are a part of the solution. We sourced ingredients and produce the first batch of Lucky Hand Sanitizer which we distribute to most vulnerable populations. We are hosting small village conversations to provide the most relevant and up-to-date information, while dispelling the dangerous myths.

We are on the forefront of this and our hope is to save lives and attempt to prevent the spread of the virus.
Together, let's commit to ensuring that communities have access to basic resources to keep them safe.

Young girls in Uganda face real challenges when it comes to managing their periods in a healthy way. Facilities often lack proper sanitation, putting them at risk of infection and discouraging girls from attending school during their monthly cycle. When a girl's self-esteem and self-confidence suffer, she may drop out of school altogether.

These negative effects add up, preventing a young girl from achieving her full potential and living a healthy, productive life many risk are forced to marry before 18 years. We are addressing this challenge. Help us to prevent and support your girls to continue with their education.